General Meeting

ROTARY CLUB OF CHESTFIELD

Breakfast Meeting 07.30am for 08.00am Thursday 25th January 2024 @ The Plough

Present:               Andrew B, Andrew M, Chris, David K, Dave C, David M, Elaine, Godfrey, Ian, jean, Lesley, Maureen, Margaret, Pat, Paul, Pippa, Robert, Spyros, Sue.

Guest:                  Fiona Stephens

Apologies:           Gerry, Hilary, Kathryn, Myfanwy, Nick, Pete, Reggie, Trevor, David B

Welcomes:         Pate welcomed everyone to the meeting.  There were no birthdays this week.

Grace:                   Paul

BREAKFAST

Business:

Fund Raising:  The car parking at the week end was a bit dismal due to the weather.  Also, there were not many people about.  We raised £160, which was better than nothing, as Paul pointed out.

Social:  The bowling evening in March will go ahead onFriday 8th March, as previously advertised.  A decision has been made about the meal afterward; we will book a table at The Quayside.

                Dave C gave an update about the evening social visit to The Little Green Bookshop in Herne Bay.  Jacqui can't do nay date in February.  Dave has agreed a date on behalf of the club.  This will be from 19.00pm to 20.30pm Wednesday 27th March.  Jacqui will give a talk about the experience of running an independent bookshop.  There will be wine and nibbles, and a chance to browse the shelves.  Jacqui will charge the club £50.

Speakers:  The members thought the speaker last week from Blood Runners was very impressive.  Pippa has volunteered to become a controller for them.  Hospitals will phone her and she in turn will contact the drivers. 

International:  Andrew asked all members to check their diaries for the date of this year's school's Walk4Water.  This will be on Friday 22nd March.  Everyone's name has been entered on the sheet in the events folder, so it is a case of opt out if your really can't make it.  There is a separate sheet in the folder for those who want to join the meal afterwards.

Any Other Business:        Pat has had an email from the organiser of a Girl Guide and Ranger Guide company who have just relocated to the All Saints hall.  Could we make a donation of between £50-£100 to help them get on their feet, buy a stock of badges etc?  Dave C was very in favour; he has fond memories of courting Ranger Guides in the 1960's in their BOAC air hostess uniforms.  There is a rotary connection; the person who sent the email is an ex-Chestfield member.  The members present agreed to donate £100.  Pat will reply and ask if they might provide us with a speaker sometime?

                Sue asked if anyone has heard how Reggie is doing?  Dave C bumped into him at the Whitstable Community Centre on Monday, and reported that he is still cheerful.  He sends his regards.  Pippa has spoken to him about his upcoming angiogram and hip operation.  Sue said he is doing a good job keeping track of birthdays and sending out cards.

                Pat gave an update about funeral arrangements for Jean S.  There will be no attended service at the crematorium, but there will be a wake her at The Plough.  Pat will let us know the date.

Raffle:                   Won by Maureen

Master-at-Arms:              Godfrey was in the chair with his weekly joke.  Nick will be back next week.

Final Toast:         Given by Jean M.

Date of Next Meeting:

07.30am for 08.00am Thursday 1st February 2024 @ The Plough